Industry analysts again point out the possibility that Apple may outsource future iPhone chip manufacturing to Intel

While Apple designs various chips in-house, such as the A-series used in iPhones and the M-series used in Macs, it outsources the majority of chip manufacturing to TSMC. However, reports have suggested that TSMC's manufacturing lines are overwhelmed by the AI boom, and that Apple is struggling to secure chip production lines. Meanwhile, industry analysts have pointed out the possibility that Apple may outsource chip manufacturing to Intel.

Apple turning to Intel for future iPhone chips, analyst reaffirms - 9to5Mac
https://9to5mac.com/2026/01/23/apple-turning-to-intel-for-future-iphone-chips-analyst-reaffirms/

In December 2025, Jeff Poo, an analyst at Chinese securities firm GF Securities, reported that Intel would begin manufacturing chips for Apple's iPhones in 2028, excluding chips for the Pro model.

Poo also mentioned that Intel's 1.4nm process technology, 14A, has a 'solid external customer pipeline.' Specifically, 14A customers include Apple, AMD, and NVIDIA. Poo reiterated his expectations for potential orders for Apple's SoCs and NVIDIA and AMD's x86 server chips.

Intel announces 14A process overview, improving performance per watt by 15-20% compared to 18A - GIGAZINE

The possibility of Apple outsourcing chip manufacturing to Intel was also pointed out by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who is well-known for his Apple-related leaks and highly accurate predictions, who reported that Intel could begin shipping its low-end M-series chips as early as the second quarter of 2027.

Apple may outsource the production of its own Apple silicon to Intel - GIGAZINE

On the other hand, Poo points out that even if Apple were to outsource chip manufacturing to Intel, it is highly likely that Intel would manufacture chips for iPhones. By outsourcing chip manufacturing to Intel rather than just TSMC, Apple aims to avoid relying on a single supplier and build a more resilient supply chain.